WHEN a young soldier threw some coins into Rome's famous Trevi Fountain in the summer of 1944 he never thought he would return there as the legend says.

But later this week Ivor Cutler will be going back to the Italian capital as a guest of city authorities.

Along with other members of the Italy Star Association veterans' association from across Britain, Ivor, now 79, and his 81-year-old friend Danny Garratt will be guest of honour at the unveiling of a new monument marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Eternal City on Friday.

The two men, who live in Little Sutton, are flying out on Thursday in time for the ceremony.

During the Second World War Mr Cutler served with the 5th Battalion of the Northampton-shire Regiment, which was part of the 78th 'Battleaxe' Division attached to the 1st British Army.

He saw action in North Africa, Sicily then Italy and fought in the second, third and fourth battles of Monte Cassino.

After a brief rest in Egypt his battalion was moved back to Italy in time for the liberation of Rome.

He finished the war in Austria where the British Army linked up with their Russian allies.

Mr Cutler recalled: 'We went through Rome on the very day it was liberated, June 4. We went through during the night and stopped in fields outside the city.

'After we cleaned ourselves up a bit they put us into three-ton lorries and drove us back into the city for a bit of sightseeing a couple of days later.'

He added: 'I remember walking around and listening to the band from an Irish brigade playing their pipes and drums.

'I threw some coins into the fountain and the legend about returning to Rome has come true 60 years later.

'I am looking forward very much to seeing the city again and it should be quite an occasion as the local council has spent 100,000 euros on the monument and is bringing back lots of veterans to see the ceremony.

'There should be people there from all over the world, including contingents from Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Poland.'

Mr Garratt also saw extensive service in Italy as a driver with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps attached to the 1st Division.

Both veterans' wives - Jenny Cutler and Mary Garratt - are accompanying them on the sentimental journey.